Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills after suffering a serious injury late in the first half. The Bills went on to win the game 23-20, with the Browns falling to 3-12 to put them in last place in the AFC North.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters after the game that Judkins had suffered a fractured fibula and a dislocated ankle, which will require surgery. Judkins will have long road to recovery ahead of the 2026 season.

The setback came just before the two-minute warning of the second quarter, with Cleveland trying to respond to Buffalo’s surge after an early Browns touchdown. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders dumped the ball off to Judkins on a swing pass out of the backfield, but the play quickly unraveled. Judkins was hit almost immediately behind the line of scrimmage and went down awkwardly as his lower leg appeared to twist during the tackle.

Judkins remained on the turf in visible pain as trainers rushed to his side. After being evaluated on the field, he was placed on a cart and taken to the locker room. The Browns soon ruled him out for the remainder of the game with a leg injury as Cleveland trailed 20-10.

Judkins, 22, is a second-round pick out of Ohio State and has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise difficult season for Cleveland. Prior to Sunday, he had emerged as the team’s most dependable offensive weapon, producing over 800 rushing yards and seven touchdowns while also contributing as a receiver. Earlier in the year, he totaled 486 rushing yards and five scores over a seven-game stretch, solidifying himself as a key part of the Browns’ long-term plans at running back.

With Judkins sidelined, Dylan Sampson moved into a larger role out of the backfield. Sampson entered the game with 116 rushing yards on 44 carries this season.

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